I was looking at a 1954 Izhevsk SKS that is for sale. It has not been refurbed (still has it's hardwood stock and the bolt carrier is still in the white), but the handguard is laminated. Is this normal or was this a replacement done either while still in military service or sometime over here. My mind goes to Bubba putting on a railed handguard and the next owner putting it back to generally correct configuration. Thanks.